Educational institutions are utilizing data to enhance student self-awareness, enabling them to effectively utilize data in their future academic and professional careers. For instance, a study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that students who used data analysis skills in high school were more likely to pursue STEM fields in college. Similarly, the New York City Department of Education has implemented data-driven programs to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By incorporating data into their curriculum, these institutions are equipping students with the tools necessary to succeed in an increasingly data-driven world.
https://nerdbot.com/2025/03/03/how-data-shapes-smarter-assessment-strategies/Illinois State Superintendent Tony Sanders has received a letter from the U.S. Department of Education warning that federal funding for schools could be at risk if they fail to comply with federal discrimination laws, which include diversity and inclusion programs. The letter claims these programs stigmatize students based on their racial background, but Sanders says it has no legal force and encourages districts to continue teaching as usual. He notes that 10% of Illinois school funding could be lost, affecting roughly $497 million in general fund spending. Sanders emphasizes the importance of equity initiatives, citing data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showing significant achievement gaps among different student groups.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20250301/news/the-illinois-state-board-of-education-is-not-telling-schools-to-stop-any-diversity-equity-and-inclu/The Department of Education has recognized the Yakap Center in Taguig, Philippines as a national model for inclusive education, treatment, and skill development. The center, operated by the local government unit (LGU), is the first of its kind in the country, marking a significant milestone in providing support to children with disabilities.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/03/01/news/national/taguigs-center-for-children-with-disabilities-gets-deped-execs-praises/2064941Linda McMahon, nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Education, has been praised by Jeanne Allen, founder and CEO of the Center for Education Reform, as a calm and passionate leader with extensive business experience. Allen believes McMahon is committed to reforming the department to put resources and decision-making power in local communities, citing growing ineffectiveness, waste, and oversight within the current system. She suggests reducing the department's footprint by 100% would be a good starting point, allowing money to flow directly to parents and families, who have unique needs each day.
https://www.scrippsnews.com/politics/president-trumps-first-100-days/what-might-reform-at-the-department-of-education-look-likeThe Department of Education (DepEd) has formalised a partnership with a leading global digital learning platform to improve education in the Philippines. The initiative aims to enhance digital capabilities, particularly in numeracy and literacy, and provide foundational skills training for learners. Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the benefits of the programme, citing its ability to foster student engagement and improve learning outcomes, especially in math. The partnership has expanded to over 1,500 schools across the country, reaching over 130,000 students and 1,500 teachers, with a goal of extending access to one million learners by December 2026.
https://opengovasia.com/2025/02/19/the-philippines-digital-platforms-for-inclusive-education/Elon Musk's team at the Department of Education (DOGE) has cut nearly half a billion dollars from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives since February, sparking protests outside the US Capitol. The move is part of Trump's plan to abolish the department and return its responsibilities to states. One grant aimed to train teachers on anti-racist mindsets, while another focused on decolonizing curricula. Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor has warned states that removing DEI programs will result in loss of federal funding, stating that discrimination based on race or national origin is illegal and morally reprehensible.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14410083/DOGE-rips-apart-half-BILLION-DEI-grants-develop-anti-racist-mindsets-Education-Department.htmlThe US Department of Education has notified American schools receiving federal funding that they must stop using "illegal" racial preferences and stereotypes in admissions, hiring, and other decisions. The move comes after the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling on Students v. Harvard, which effectively ended affirmative action. In contrast to this stance, 82 companies including Google, Meta, Apple, and Starbucks signed a Supreme Court amicus brief arguing that diversity benefits students' experiences and leads to more diverse workplaces enhancing business performance.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/02/18/Trump-Education-Department-Craig-Trainor-DEI-affirmative-action/1471739902921/The Department of Education has pledged to deploy over 15,000 qualified teachers as principals in public schools by February 11, 2025, amid a shortage of school heads. The move comes after the Year 2 report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education found that 55% of public schools in the Philippines operate without principals.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/02/17/tmt-newswire/deped-vows-to-deploy-15k-principals-this-year/2056580Linda McMahon has secured support from Utah's congressional delegation, including Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Burgess Owens, after her confirmation hearing. As Secretary of Education, she aims to promote transparency, educational freedom, and excellence in the classroom. The Department of Education oversees various programs, including the Every Student Succeeds Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and federal student loan and grant programs. McMahon plans to preserve key initiatives like Title I money for low-income schools and Pell grants, but seeks to improve efficiency by potentially moving certain programs to other agencies.
https://www.deseret.com/utah/2025/02/14/trump-education-cabinet-linda-mcmahon-pro-wrestling/